INDUSTRY NEWS
ADDRESSING SKILLS SHORTAGES IN AI, ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION IS ‘ESSENTIAL TO THE FUTURE OF SHIPBUILDING’, SAYS NEW REPORT
underscores the need for an approach between industry and training providers that prepare workers for hybrid roles. Updated training modules, short courses and continuous professional development (CPD) programmes are among the recommendations. Leveraging its industry experience and expert
According to a new report by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), operated by the University of Strathclyde and based at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Renfrewshire, addressing anticipated skills shortages in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and automation is essential to the future of the shipbuilding sector. Developed with industry partners and Innovate
UK’s Workforce Foresighting Hub, the report highlights the need to equip the workforce with the skills required as the industry evolves and adopts new technology. While automation and robotics are already used
in a variety of tasks by shipbuilding companies, the team behind the foresighting work found that demand for technology to assist with welding, joining and inspections in confined or hazardous spaces is only likely to increase. For example, the roles of some welders will evolve to combine traditional skills with expertise in new technologies and materials. This
knowledge, and as part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, NMIS collaborated with Innovate UK’s Workforce Foresighting Hub to complete the foresighting cycle, which culminated in the report. The cycle employs a combination of workshops, surveys and advanced AI tools to capture and analyse data. The report includes several future
occupational profiles or job descriptions – from quality and compliance roles to engineering and systems design – which can be used by manufacturers to evaluate any gaps between existing roles and future requirements, allowing training and apprenticeship standards to be adjusted accordingly. Key suggestions also include a need for
enhanced technical and safety training, as well as increased collaboration between the industry and education providers. The insights are also applicable to other sectors involving large structures, such as offshore wind. Greg Cranstoun, industry and skills engagement lead at NMIS, said: “Scotland has a deep-rooted history of shipbuilding, particularly on the Clyde, next to where NMIS is based, but the challenges of a skills shortage apply to the whole
BECKHOFF OPENS CHESHIRE FACILITY
Beckhoff UK has opened a new office at Bruntwood SciTech’s innovation campus, Alderley Park, Cheshire. Functioning as the company’s software centre, this will allow the company to more easily reach customers in the Midlands, North of England, Scotland and Ireland. The new facility will house a dedicated training
centre where the company will run regular training sessions on its TwinCAT product range. This will include Beckhoff specific topics such as TwinCAT Analytics and TwinCAT HMI, plus complimentary workshops like source control and the deployment of software across multiple machines. The office will also have several demonstration walls, where visitors can see how Beckhoff’s technology, such as its XPlanar and XTS, work with the company’s software offering to enable superior automation and control. “The North West is known for being a leader in some of Beckhoff’s core industries, like pharmaceuticals and processing, so it made perfect sense for us to have a physical presence here,” explained Beth Ragdale, product manager at Beckhoff UK. “Choosing Alderley Park as our new home was an extremely easy decision. It’s home to thousands of innovative companies, some of which we already have relationships with, and others that we want to get to know.”
beckhoff.com
of the UK. The sector has been recognised for its strategic economic importance, but to ensure shipbuilding and its supply chains can thrive, we need to ensure we have the right people with the right skills lined up to meet demand. “Technology is only going to become more
prevalent as the adoption of AI and robotics increases in all sectors, and there are significant gains that could come from using advanced equipment to improve both health and safety and productivity in shipyards. Manufacturers need to think ahead to the types of roles this will create, and how to equip the current workforce and future employees with the skills to take this forward.” Debbie Johnson, head of Innovation Talent & Skills at Innovate UK, said: “The speed at which we can leverage innovative technologies impacts the global competitiveness of UK organisations. Often, new technologies are available, but a lack of skilled workforce prevents their full utilisation. By accelerating the adoption of new technologies by having the right skills at the right time, UK businesses can better position themselves as market leaders. Enabled by the Innovate UK Catapult Network, our Workforce Foresighting Hub enables the adoption of a long-term perspective and provides the ability to respond more swiftly to emerging skill demands, to better capitalise on new technologies and lead future industries.”
www.nmis.scot
FESTO CELEBRATES ITS CENTENARY
Creating added value for customers through innovation has been the driving force behind the family-owned company from the very beginning and remains the key to Festo’s success today. The company has shaped an entire era of industrial production. Today, Festo is a global player and a front runner in automation technology, as well as a world leader in technical education and training. Its anniversary is being celebrated with
employees, customers, and partners worldwide throughout the year.
Thomas Böck, member of the management
board, Festo, said: “In 2025, we want to say thank you to our customers, partners, and employees and celebrate this unforgettable anniversary with them.”
www.festo.com SOLDERKING EXPANDS UK OPERATIONS FOLLOWING RISE IN EXPORT SALES
SolderKing, a UK manufacturer of soldering materials, has doubled its facility following a significant rise in export sales throughout 2024. The expansion into the adjacent premises
provides additional space to optimise workflow, increase production efficiency, and support future growth. As part of this,
6 DESIGN SOLUTIONS FEBRUARY 2025
SolderKing has added further advanced solder wire drawing and paste mixing machinery to enhance its existing operations. This investment increases production capacity across its range of cored and solid solder wires, ensuring a reliable supply for applications including hand soldering,
selective soldering, and robotic soldering. Furthermore, the company remains
committed to sustainability by optimising its manufacturing processes and ensuring responsible waste management.
www.solderking.com
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